Assam Coal Mine: One Body Recovered, Search for Others Underway

Rescue teams recovered a body early Wednesday from a coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, nearly 48 hours after flooding trapped at least nine workers.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the recovery on X, expressing condolences to the grieving family. The rescue operation, involving divers and experts from the army, navy, NDRF, and SDRF, started on Tuesday.

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Sarma stated that the operation is ongoing, with army and NDRF divers already in the mine, and navy personnel preparing to dive next. SDRF de-watering pumps were en route to assist, and an additional pump from Oil and Natural Gas Corporation is being flown in, despite the risk of heavy rainfall disrupting efforts.

Rescue Efforts Continue as Workers Trapped 300 Feet Below Ground

The workers are believed to be trapped 300 feet under the ground in the flooded coal mine. On Tuesday, confusion prevailed throughout the day with some officials suggesting that nine people were trapped in the mine. Others said that the number could be as high as 15.

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Navy divers joined the efforts on Tuesday hours after personnel from the army, NDRF, and SDRF spotted some helmets and slippers floating on the water, triggering speculation that some people were dead. Officials on Tuesday denied a report from the state information department that said three bodies were spotted.

Sarma on Tuesday said prima facie the mine appeared to be illegal. He added one person was arrested and a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder was filed against him for operating the mine and engaging the workers.

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